Where and how to renew in Alabama

You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is the most straightforward: you walk in with your current license and required documents, pay the fee, take a new photo, and walk out with a temporary license valid until your permanent one arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your license has not been expired for more than five years. You submit your current license, a completed process form (DL-43), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the DPS website. Processing takes about two weeks, and you will not have a valid license to drive during that time.

The DPS maintains driver license offices in every county. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices post wait times online. If you live near a county line, you can use any office in the state — location does not matter.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at any Alabama DPS driver license office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license to drive when ready.
  • Mail renewal is only an option if your license is current, has no medical restrictions, and has not been expired for more than five years.
  • You need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the renewal fee, which varies by license type and duration.
  • Your new permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after in-person renewal, or about two weeks after mail renewal.
  • Alabama does not require you to pass a written or driving test to renew, but the DPS will take a new photo and may ask you to read an eye chart.

Documents you need to bring

For in-person renewal, bring your current Alabama driver's license and one document proving your current address. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address since your last renewal, the proof-of-residency document must show your new address.

For mail renewal, send your current license, the completed DL-43 form, and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Do not send original documents other than your license itself. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee; the DPS does not accept credit cards by mail.

Renewal fees and license duration

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $24.50. An eight-year license costs $36.50. You choose the duration when you renew — there is no requirement to pick one over the other.

Your new license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. If you renew early — up to six months before your current license expires — your new expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew. This means you do not lose time by renewing early.

What happens during the renewal visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. A clerk will review your documents, verify your identity against your current license, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. You will be asked to read an eye chart to confirm you can see well enough to drive safely. If you cannot read the chart without corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test.

You will then sit for a new photo. The DPS uses this photo for your new license, so the same rules explore as for any state ID photo: you cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup, and your face must be clearly visible. Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not obscure your face.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is in the mail. Keep it with you until your new license arrives.

Timeline for receiving your new license

Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided at renewal. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS processes your renewal. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS to confirm your address is correct and your renewal was processed.

If you need your license sooner — for example, if you are moving out of state or need it for employment — you can request expedited processing at the time of renewal. Expedited service costs an additional fee and reduces the delivery time to 3 to 5 business days. Ask the clerk at your renewal appointment whether expedited service is available at that location.

Renewing online is not an option in Alabama

Alabama does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person or by mail. Some states allow online renewal for certain drivers, but Alabama has not implemented this option. If you see a website claiming to offer online Alabama driver's license renewal, it is not an official state service.

The official Alabama DPS website lists all driver license offices, hours of operation, and current wait times. You can find the office nearest you and check whether it is currently busy before you go.

If your license is expired or suspended

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person. The process is the same as a standard renewal, but you will need to bring the same documents and pass the same eye chart test.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS. This usually involves paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the DPS. Contact the DPS directly to find out what you need to do before you can renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Alabama allows you to renew up to six months before your license expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date is calculated from your current expiration date, so you do not lose any time on your license.

What if I have moved out of state since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at an Alabama DPS office and bring proof of your current out-of-state address. If you no longer live in Alabama, you should consider getting a license from your new state instead, as most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew?

No. Alabama does not require a written or driving test for renewal. You will take an eye chart test to confirm you can see well enough to drive safely, but that is the only test required.

What if my temporary license expires before my permanent license arrives?

Contact the DPS when ready to report that your permanent license has not arrived. They can issue you a replacement temporary license or check the status of your renewal. Keep your original temporary license with you until the replacement arrives.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present in person for renewal, except for mail renewal, which you must complete yourself by signing the process form. The DPS requires your signature and photo for all renewals.